Pt-Decorated NiMo/Carbon Hybrid Catalysts for High-Current-Density Hydrogen Evolution: Synergistic Electronic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable hydrogen production.
• Need for efficient catalysts in industrial high-current-density conditions.
• Limitations of current catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a Pt-decorated NiMo-based carbon-supported catalyst (Pt-NiMo/C).
• Achieve efficient alkaline HER performance under industrial conditions.
• Evaluate the catalyst's stability and potential for energy conversion.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis via solvent evaporation and high-temperature pyrolysis.
• Electrochemical evaluations including overpotential and stability tests.
• Fabrication and testing of a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) configuration.

Main Results:

• Ultralow overpotentials of 20 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and 170 mV at 100 mA cm⁻².
• Exceeded performance of commercial Pt/C benchmarks.
• Demonstrated robust stability over 120 hours at 100 mA cm⁻².
• Stable MEA performance at 100 mA cm⁻² with a cell voltage of 1.53 V.

Conclusions:

• Pt-NiMo/C exhibits exceptional HER activity and durability.
• Hierarchical structure and synergistic electronic interactions contribute to performance.
• Potential for cost-effective, large-scale green hydrogen production via water electrolysis.